Men’s Bowling shows huge improvement in first Tier 1 event of 2022-23

MARIETTA, Ga. (November 7, 2022) – The Milligan University men's bowling team jumped 15 spots from last year's performance at the Bowlero Southern Collegiate Classic, Milligan's first Tier 1 event of the season, over the weekend.

Milligan placed 14th out of 26 teams with 9,751 pins cleared over six individual games and 24 baker games. The Buffs' JV squad was third with 9,419 total pins.

Jameson Whaley was Milligan's top individual as he placed 27th in a field of over 200 bowlers. Whaley went over 200 in a pair of games and cleared 1,147 pins (191.2 average). Jackson McRae was Milligan's top varsity individual with 1,140 pins (190 average).

Tristan Crawford went over 200 three times in six games on his way to a 36th-place showing with 1,107 pins (184.5 average). In his varsity debut, Caleb McDonald was 38th at 1,102 pins (183.7 average).

"I can't say enough about Caleb McDonald this weekend," said head coach Brian Rickert. "He was promoted from JV to varsity for this tournament because he's consistently outperformed expectations and did not disappoint. The team really was fed off of his energy all weekend long."

On Sunday, Milligan totaled 4,253 pins over 24 baker games (177.2 average) and four games over 200.

"The oil pattern this weekend was extremely difficult and really made both teams work to score," said Rickert. "There was very little miss room and required pinpoint accuracy. We've identified some key areas we will continue to work on to be ready for the second half of our season and the postseason"

Milligan bowling is idle this weekend before heading to the MSC Brandon Burns Memorial Nov. 19-20.